Advancing local cancer disparities-related health policy via CBPR strategies, partnerships, and advocacy training

Background: The Deep South Network for Cancer Control (DSN) is a community-based participatory research (CBPR) collaboration that focuses on improving the access to and utilization of evidence-based interventions for reducing cancer disparities primarily cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers. The Deep South Network has developed a comprehensive “Community Action Plan (CAP)” to address cancer disparities in traditionally minority, underserved communities in Alabama and Mississippi, both rural and urban areas.

Methods: The components of the “CAP” were developed through formalized workgroups and extensive dialogues with community health advisors, academic researchers, and local community partners ranging from elected officials and church leaders to nonprofit community organizations. As a result of this process, 4 targeted intervention categories for reducing cancer disparities were identified for implementation 1) advocacy, 2) physical activity, 3) nutrition, and 4) cancer awareness and screening.

Results: The Community Health Advisor (CHA) model was utilized to train people who are “natural helpers” to provide cancer awareness, early detection messages, and nutrition and physical activity resources to their communities using evidence based programs, such as Body and Soul. Several CHAs were also trained as research partners.

This presentation will focus on the advocacy dimension including i) the workgroup process for the advocacy intervention, ii) the advocacy training for the CHAs, and iii) a case study on the successful 12-month advocacy campaign to enact a smoke-free ordinance in Bessemer, Alabama. The advocacy campaign involved needs assessment, grassroots community engagement, and identifying and interfacing with local health policy stakeholders. Lessons learned will be discussed.